Canstar Restorations had the great pleasure of taking part in a very insightful and informative seminar on the topic of Hoarders.

While it is not frequently discussed in an insurance setting, hoarding is an exposure we all need to be aware of. Hoarders now number in the millions, and like other disorders such as Alzheimer’s, it affects more than just the sufferer.

The seminar provided a look into the disease from four angles; Therapist, Law, Insurance and Restoration.

SEMINAR PRESENTERS

Don Collett, MDiv, RCC, RMFT – Principal, Therapeutic Services of Vancouver is a Clinical Fellow of the American Association of Family Therapy and a Registered Clinical Counselor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselors. Don has provided help and counsel to people in all walks of life who experience hoarding as an obstacle to their individual or family functioning. He has been instrumental in collaborating with agencies, housing providers and scholars to increase public and professional awareness of hoarding as mental health challenge. Don regularly speaks on hoarding to a variety of professionals and interested agencies.

Marie-Anne Alward, BA, CIP, N.A.I.T. – Claims Manager, Wawanesa Insurance started in the insurance industry in 1977. She has worked in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and BC as a company and independent adjuster, an examiner, and head office Claims Admin. She moved to Vancouver in 2005 and has been Claims Manager with Wawanesa since 2009.

Nigel Trevethan, BA (Hons.), LL.B. – Partner, Harper Grey LLPchairs the insurance law group at Harper Grey. His practice encompasses legal services to multinational, national and regional insurers and brokers. Nigel’s focus is on large property losses and professional errors and omissions claims. He has set up several professional liability programs for large organizations, and is often asked to speak about risk management at conferences and meetings.

Art Johnson, CR, WLS – CEO, Johnson Training Inc.,has been in the restoration industry since 1988. He has gained experience in all aspects of restoration and his company provides training and consulting services to the restoration industry. Art now sits on the Board of Directors of RIA. He is the proud recipient of the 2011 industry-recognized, Marty King Award for outstanding service to the industry.

A huge thank you to the Insurance Institute of British Columbia for organizing this event!